I Shall Be Everlasting In the World of Immortals 243

## Chapter 240: The Secret of the Dao Body

Yu Qin was just an ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivator, so Lu Chang’an didn’t pay much attention to her. He planned to remind the young master Xia about her another time.

This time, he left the Earth Rock Rat on Autumn Wind Island and headed to Cloud Smoke Immortal City alone.

A few days later.

Cloud Smoke Immortal City, Wan Shu Pavilion.

A young man with a yellow beard held a jade tube in his hand, walking out of the pavilion and quickly blending into the flow of people in the immortal city.

Wan Shu Pavilion was the largest chain of book pavilions of the Jing State Merchant Alliance. Besides selling mainstream cultivation techniques, secret techniques, and knowledge of various cultivation arts, it also included some ancient books and fragments.

“《The Records of Innate Dao Bodies》, priced at 1,800 spirit stones, records most of the Innate Dao Bodies that have appeared in the Great Green Cultivation World over the past tens of thousands of years…”

A moment later, Lu Chang’an, disguised as a young man with a yellow beard, entered an ordinary inn in the city.

In the guest room, he entered the jade tube with his divine sense and began to examine its contents.

The cultivation world is vast, with countless fields of knowledge. Even if a Nascent Soul cultivator’s sea of consciousness were to burst, the limit of their memory would only hold a tiny fraction of the knowledge accumulated throughout endless years in the vast cultivation world.

Therefore, even though Lu Chang’an was a peak Foundation Establishment cultivator who had gone through reincarnation, his knowledge could not cover everything.

For example, Five Elements Earth, Xuan Tian Gourd, Innate Precious Body… Lu Chang’an lacked information on these, or his understanding was not comprehensive.

“Found it, the ‘Cold Soul Jade Marrow’ Innate Dao Body!”

Soon, Lu Chang’an found information related to Xia Wenyue’s Dao Body in the jade tube.

According to the records in 《The Records of Innate Dao Bodies》, the Cold Soul Jade Marrow Dao Body had appeared in the Great Green Cultivation World, but it was relatively obscure compared to other mainstream Dao Bodies.

The description was much more detailed than the few words Lu Chang’an had accidentally learned from ancient books in his previous life.

“Xia Wenyue’s Innate Dao Body indeed has altruistic benefits.”

After reading the records in the jade tube, Lu Chang’an was surprised and delighted.

“But…”

Then, he showed a look of hesitation.

The benefits of the Cold Soul Jade Marrow Dao Body exceeded Lu Chang’an’s expectations and had more than one use.

One of the uses was similar to Lu Chang’an’s speculation.

Those with the Cold Soul Jade Marrow Dao Body, once reaching the Foundation Establishment stage or above, would have “Cold Jade Marrow” cultivated within their jade bones for many years. This marrow helps in breaking through bottlenecks and advancing in cultivation.

The higher the cultivation, the better the effect on breaking through bottlenecks.

At the early Foundation Establishment stage, the “Cold Jade Marrow” almost ignores the minor realm bottlenecks within the Foundation Establishment stage, with effects far exceeding those of breakthrough pills, without affecting the cultivator’s potential.

At the late Foundation Establishment stage, the “Cold Jade Marrow” can slightly increase the chance of forming a Golden Core and slightly improve the quality of the Core Formation.

“It’s equivalent to a strengthened version of the Condensation Crystal Pill, close to the effect of a refined Condensation Crystal Pill.”

Lu Chang’an wouldn’t be lying if he said he wasn’t moved.

However, these effects would only be available when Xia Wenyue reached the late Foundation Establishment stage.

Furthermore, extracting the Cold Jade Marrow would cause permanent damage to the potential of the Innate Dao Body, akin to killing the goose that lays the golden eggs, harming others for personal gain.

“The altruistic benefits of the Cold Soul Jade Marrow Dao Body are not maximized during the Foundation Establishment stage…”

Lu Chang’an’s eyes flickered as he muttered.

This brings us to the second use of the Cold Soul Jade Marrow Dao Body.

If Xia Wenyue reaches the mid-to-late Golden Core stage and maintains her maidenly essence, she can connect the Cold Soul and the Jade Marrow, potentially nurturing a unique “Tai Yin Jade Liquid” within her body.

“Tai Yin Jade Liquid can slightly increase the success rate of advancing to the Nascent Soul stage!”

Lu Chang’an’s breathing involuntarily quickened.

If the “Cold Jade Marrow” of the Foundation Establishment stage could be taken by force, then the “Tai Yin Jade Liquid” of the Golden Core stage requires the voluntary cooperation of the female cultivator with the Dao Body, through dual cultivation to bestow it upon a male cultivator.

It cannot be obtained by force.

Bestowing the Tai Yin Jade Liquid will not affect the potential of the Dao Body owner.

Therefore, those with the Cold Soul Jade Marrow Dao Body before the Golden Core stage are the most dangerous.

After reaching the Golden Core stage, the danger significantly decreases, making them the object of desire and pursuit, the coveted treasure of many male cultivators.

As for the third use, it’s a common characteristic of most Yin-type precious bodies, making them excellent candidates for dual cultivation or as furnaces (炉鼎).

Compared to the first two uses, the third is not that impressive, just a bonus.

For Lu Chang’an, it’s practically useless.

His Long Green Technique cultivation is limited by time.

Pills and other external forces can only accelerate the daily cultivation efficiency, not change the overall progress.

If he breaks the relationship before Xia Wenyue’s cultivation is sufficient, he will lose the significant opportunity of the “Tai Yin Jade Liquid.”

…

“Slightly increasing the chance of advancing to the Nascent Soul stage, though not as good as the Transformation Core Pill, even if it only adds a sliver of chance, it would make countless Golden Core cultivators eager to obtain it…”

Lu Chang’an took a deep breath, calming his excited mind.

“However, getting the ‘Tai Yin Jade Liquid’ smoothly is not as easy as you might think.”

Lu Chang’an understood the difficulties.

Even those with Earth Spirit Root talent usually take a hundred and several decades to reach the mid-to-late Golden Core stage.

What’s more, Xia Wenyue’s early cultivation had been delayed for some years.

“A hundred and several decades, a long time indeed, filled with too many uncertainties!”

“Not only must I ensure she reaches the mid-to-late Golden Core stage, but she must also remain chaste, free from worldly desires.”

This is what made Lu Chang’an hesitate.

Of the required conditions, Xia Wenyue reaching the Golden Core stage is actually the less difficult part.

Innate Precious Bodies, as long as they find the right cultivation technique, often have a cultivation speed comparable to Earth Spirit Roots at the very least.

The uncertainties of a hundred and several decades, and the restraint of human desires to remain chaste, might be the greater challenge.

Take Lu Chang’an as an example, he’s considered chaste among cultivators.

He’s currently over 150 years old, with only a few relationships or casual encounters, averaging one every few decades.

This is to alleviate the double suppression of physiology and psychology during the monotonous years of cultivation.

It prevents him from becoming a cultivation machine without emotions.

“In such a long period, not only are there external uncertainties, but the human heart is the greatest variable…”

Lu Chang’an knew that even though Xia Wenyue currently admires and respects him, showing tenderness and care, it’s hard to say what will happen after a hundred years.

The potential and advancement speed of the Innate Dao Body are unpredictable.

Lu Chang’an’s cultivation speed is so slow, maybe he’ll be overtaken and even surpassed after a hundred years.

“I need to think long and hard about this woman, Xia Wenyue.”

After pondering for a long time, Lu Chang’an had a general idea.

…

Three days later.

Lu Chang’an, using the Hundred Illusions Mask to change his identity, sold two inferior Foundation Establishment Pills in major stores in Cloud Smoke Immortal City.

From the Foundation Establishment Pill materials he collected in previous years, Lu Chang’an had refined one regular pill and three inferior pills.

Originally, Lu Chang’an planned to sell all three inferior pills, keeping only one regular pill.

Now, he kept one inferior pill, preparing it for Xia Wenyue.

“With an Innate Dao Body, her cultivation aptitude is at least comparable to Earth Spirit Roots, so there’s no need to prepare such good breakthrough resources.”

That’s what Lu Chang’an thought.

Over the next few days, Lu Chang’an changed his identity again and bought some materials for pre-third-order puppets, used to improve his puppet techniques and increase the margin of error in frontal combat.

After completing his purchases, Lu Chang’an, again using the identity of the old man in a raincoat, “Master Xiang”, went to visit Master Han Yu at the Snow Fox Trading House.

The three-order Beast Pills Lu Chang’an purchased from the Snow Fox Trading House channel a few years ago were already consumed by the Earth Rock Rat.

As a third-order great demon, the Earth Rock Rat’s cultivation environment on Autumn Wind Island was actually a bit inadequate.

Therefore, Lu Chang’an needed to ensure a sufficient supply of Beast Pills.

Over the years, the Earth Rock Rat’s cultivation speed has been faster than Lu Chang’an expected.

Perhaps due to forming a “Half-Step Golden Core”, the Earth Rock Rat, despite the less-than-ideal spiritual energy environment, had a cultivation speed exceeding most superior bloodline demon beasts, almost catching up to Earth-type bloodlines.

Lu Chang’an also considered changing the Earth Rock Rat’s cultivation ground to a more ideal place.

But after careful consideration, he gave up.

“A slightly harsh environment can temper one’s spirit, bones, and skin.”

“Even if I switched it to a third-order spiritual vein cultivation ground, it would only increase the cultivation speed slightly, not as good as letting the Earth Rock Rat settle at the early third-order stage and refine its foundation. This is for its own good.”

Besides, Lu Chang’an had a little bit of selfish motives.

If he hadn’t formed a Golden Core yet, and the Earth Rock Rat had a stroke of luck, advancing to the mid-third-order stage first, it would create a significant gap, making his master look bad.

Of course, that was highly unlikely. Theoretically, the Earth Rock Rat wouldn’t be able to break through for fifty years.

…

The Snow Fox Trading House’s residence.

“Master Xiang, it’s unfortunate, Master Han Yu is away on business and not in Cloud Smoke Immortal City. But rest assured, I will do my best to gather the quota of third-order Beast Pills.”

The elder Gao Song Cheng, a member of the Trading House, was receiving Lu Chang’an.

“I will also contact Master Han Yu as soon as possible…”

“No need to trouble Master Han Yu, gathering the third-order Beast Pills is sufficient.”

Lu Chang’an waved his hand.

“Please wait, Master Xiang. We can gather the quota within half a month.”

Gao Song Cheng responded respectfully, assuring him.

Lu Chang’an declined the offer to stay and left the Snow Fox Trading House’s residence, heading to the Seeking Immortals Manor Inn.

Just a few days later.

Master Han Yu hurriedly returned to Cloud Smoke Immortal City and, concealing his identity, came to the Seeking Immortals Manor Inn to secretly visit Lu Chang’an.

The Seeking Immortals Manor’s superior guest rooms were individual courtyard buildings.

In the living room, Lu Chang’an saw a black-dressed woman with a graceful figure, who removed her veil, revealing Master Han Yu’s clear and snowy beautiful face.

Master Han Yu’s beauty was slightly less than Xia Wenyue’s, with a cold, noble aura.

In the circle of real people within the Jing State Merchant Alliance, this woman was also a well-known beauty.

“Master Han Yu concealed your identity and visited privately. What brings you here?”

After a few polite exchanges, Lu Chang’an smiled and went straight to the point.

“Master Xiang, is it alright for Han Yu to only visit when there’s something important?”

Master Han Yu gently stroked her silvery hair, her lips moving slightly, her voice soft.

This icy, elegant female real person, exuding the fragrance of snow lotuses, naturally leaned against Lu Chang’an’s shoulder.

Nightfall, the cold moon like autumn.

In front of the bed, scattered were a female cultivator’s skirt, silk stockings, embroidered shoes, and a set of white clothes for a male cultivator.

Lu Chang’an’s hand rested on the female real person’s smooth and jade-like back, his expression somewhat lazy.

“Master Xiang, Han Yu has something to discuss with you.”

Master Han Yu’s face, flushed with lingering charm, rested against Lu Chang’an’s chest, her voice low.

“What is it that requires discussing at night?”

Lu Chang’an smiled, knowing that either Master Han Yu or the Snow Fox Trading House had a request.

The Snow Fox Trading House had provided him with many conveniences, and he had been freeloading for a long time, so Lu Chang’an wouldn’t mind fulfilling the two promises he owed, within his abilities.

Master Han Yu’s eyes were icy and clear like tears, she lightly glared at him, then got to the point.

“In two months, our Snow Fox Trading House is preparing to send a shipment of important goods to ‘Tai Feng City’ in the south of Jing State. We’ve hired a group of bodyguards led by a Fake Golden Core, along with Fake Golden Core real people from the Trading House, a strong lineup.”

“However, this business trip is crucial to the Snow Fox Trading House’s strategy. To be safe, Old Master Guang Jun hopes you will lead a third-order great demon to provide covert protection for half a month.”

The Old Master Guang Jun mentioned by Master Han Yu was Real Person Guang Jun, the Golden Core ancestor of the Snow Fox Trading House.

After the Earth Rock Rat formed a Golden Core, Lu Chang’an had met him.

“This business trip, is there a possibility of Golden Core cultivators ambushing?”

Lu Chang’an furrowed his brow and asked directly.

“Our Snow Fox Trading House and the opposing forces have mutual restraints, and it’s difficult for either side to spare Golden Core cultivators.”

“Old Master Guang Jun analyzed: there is a 30% chance of the opposing forces hiring a Golden Core cultivator from outside to intercept us. But Master Xiang, please rest assured, if they sense Golden Core-level protection, the Golden Core hired by the opposing forces from outside will definitely not fight to the death, usually they will just make a symbolic move, or even abandon the attempt.”

Master Han Yu’s tone was calm, explaining the reasons.

She hoped to consume a promise and get Lu Chang’an to act.

Under the female real person’s expectant gaze, Lu Chang’an patted his chest with a rough hand, boldly saying:

“Xiang promises, I will definitely help!”

In an instant, Lu Chang’an had already planned his course of action.

For this “bodyguarding” mission, Lu Chang’an would have the Earth Rock Rat provide covert protection. If the enemy didn’t send any Golden Core cultivators, that would be best.

If they did send one, he would release the aura of a Golden Core great demon to intimidate them, hoping they would retreat.

If they wanted to fight to the death or there was a greater threat, then he could only apologize.

The latter was highly unlikely.

Conflicts within the Merchant Alliance usually wouldn’t easily trigger a Golden Core-level battle.

“If this matter is successful, the Snow Fox Trading House is willing to offer three years’ worth of third-order Beast Pills.”

Master Han Yu smiled, offering a reward.

Lu Chang’an nodded in satisfaction. Although it was a promise, the Snow Fox Trading House knew how to do things, not asking him to act for free.

…

After another two days of intimacy, Master Han Yu, concealing her identity, quietly left.

“Tai Feng City in the south of Jing State?”

Lu Chang’an thought about the details he had agreed on with Master Han Yu.

Tai Feng City was a major cultivation city on the border of Jing State in the south, close to Chen State.

The trade between the Jing State and Chen State cultivation worlds, over half passed through Tai Feng City.

Tai Feng City belonged to the “Tai Feng Trading House”, the largest of the three major trading houses within the Merchant Alliance.

This trading house was extremely powerful, almost comparable to a sect, with a late Golden Core cultivator in charge.

The Snow Fox Trading House’s business trip two months later, going to Tai Feng City, might be related to trade with the Chen State cultivation world.

Seven days later.

Lu Chang’an went to the Snow Fox Trading House’s residence again and received three to five years’ worth of third-order Beast Pills.

“My purchases in Cloud Smoke Immortal City are complete, and I’ve also found out about Xia Wenyue’s Innate Dao Body.”

Lu Chang’an checked for any omissions, finding nothing, and set off on his return journey.

…

Qing Sha Bay, Autumn Wind Island Manor.

After returning, Lu Chang’an didn’t immediately see Xia Wenyue but summoned the Earth Rock Rat.

“Thank you for your reward, Master.” The Earth Rock Rat’s voice was childish, his eyes shining as he received the few bottles of third-order Beast Pills Lu Chang’an handed him.

Usually, the Earth Rock Rat would shrink to the size of a ground dog, maintaining his cultivation at the peak of late second-order.

Lu Chang’an sat on the armchair and casually said:

“In the past half month that I was away, did that woman have any unusual behavior?”

Before leaving, Lu Chang’an had instructed the Earth Rock Rat to pay attention to Yu Qin.

Now, he had confirmed that Xia Wenyue’s Dao Body held a chance to break through to the Nascent Soul stage, a major event.

He was naturally wary of unknown outsiders, especially Yu Qin, the former lover of the young master Xia, who had once seduced and approached him.

I’m sorry! My post-COVID symptoms have come back. My runny nose is gone, but I can’t stop coughing. I’m still coughing while writing this chapter. I’ve been checked, had X-rays, and my lungs are fine.

I’ve been feeling weak for days, and I lack inspiration. I’ve been binge-watching novels, absorbing nourishment.

I’ve read a few books, all with impressive starts, even dazzling, but they either collapse later, become boring, or become repetitive. This seems to be the current state of starting writing websites, very few books are good from beginning to end.

(End of chapter)

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